It was President’s Day in March for the Desert Dames last Wednesday. The Dames celebrated club presidents incoming and outgoing, old and new at this month’s luncheon. Jan Martin said an emotional thank you and farewell as she turned the helm over to newly elected President Darlene Carpenter. The Oasis Golf Course Grille Room was packed with ladies from the Mesquite area who came to watch the changing of the guard and to hear Founder Bobbie Green give an interesting account of how the Desert Dames Social Club came to be.
Outgoing President Jan Martin (left) with founder Bobbie Green (right)
Green moved to Mesquite in 1994 and wanted to make friends in her new hometown. She was familiar with the Newcomers Club in California, which has been in existence for 50 years and wanted to start a similar club for newcomers to Mesquite. Green got together with Donna Johnson and Helen Atkins in 1995 and started the Desert Dames. Green was President in 1995, 1996 and again in 2005. Founding member Johnson served as second President in 1997. The founding mother told the audience that she thought it was important that the club be purely social where people could come and feel comfortable no matter what their beliefs. It was written into the constitution and remains a cardinal rule to this day that there shall be no political or religious discussion at any Dames function so that no one feels left out or ostracized.
Outgoing President Jan Martin (right) with incoming President Darlene Carpenter (left)
Today the Dames are twenty years old and sponsor many activity groups such as bunco, card playing, hiking, quilting, golf, singing, bowling and monthly luncheons just to name a few. Green received many nods when she said that the first thing a person new to Mesquite should do is join the Desert Dames to meet wonderful new friends and get involved in activities.
Along with Green, the Dames honored past presidents who were in attendance, including Libby Clark, Susan Clapp, Sandra Ramaker, Jeanine Wehner, Margie Milner and Brenda Agan.
New President Darlene Carpenter introduced her new Board Members for the 2015-2016 Dames year. During the festivities, the ladies enjoyed a luncheon of fried chicken, salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls and fabulous desserts.
Incoming Desert Dames Board (l to r): Carolee Seal, Dianna Kizerian, Yvonn Lum Kee, V.P. Wendy Lauer, Jan Rice, Joyce Stafford, Lanie Chrisco, Tammy Caldwell, President Darlene Carpenter, Deby Burton and Ruth Reilly. Not pictured: Debbie Oskin, Publicity
Anyone wishing to join the Desert Dames should contact Membership Chair Ruth Riley at (702) 345-3117 for more information.
I was fortunate to have been in the Club for nine years and served on the Board for almost 6 years. I love the Desert Dames. It allowed me to meet so many women that I might not otherwise have known. It is a wonderful asset to Mesquite and I would encourage anyone woman new to the area to go to a luncheon and meet the ladies. Everyone is so friendly and there are many activities that are offered through the Dames.
Due to the death of my husband almost a year ago, I had to leave the area. I miss all the gals and wish the Dames a wonderful year with the new Board.”We’re Desert Dames from Nevada, Mesquite to be precise”.
Jeri Shipe
Hi Ladies:
I just got a right new knee, and I get the pleasure of doing my left knee ASAP.
If you have a newsletter I would very much enjoy reading it until I am able to become a member.
Thank you very much.
Terry